For Immediate Release September 6, 2007 Contact: Sara Fox 212.636.2680 [email protected] Kate Swan 212.636.2680 [email protected] FASHIONS FROM AN AMERICAN STYLE ICON: THE NAN KEMPNER COLLECTION October 2, 2007 ''There’s no such thing as a chic American woman – the look is always too contrived, it doesn’t come naturally. The one exception is Nan Kempner.'' Diana Vreeland New York – Christie’s is proud to announce clothing from fashion icon, Nan Kempner, will be sold in a session of the October House Sale, with all proceeds from the collection benefiting The Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in recognition of her dedication to the organization. Over 60 lots are grouped as "complete outfits," the way Kempner typically and instinctively knew how to wear them — mixing and matching designers, couture with ready-to-wear, finished off with her signature touches of a fox fur boa, a straw hat, colorful turban, or pair of high-heels. Designers include Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, Valentino, Fendi, Oscar de la Renta, and Carolina Herrera, as well as several lots featured in American Chic, The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s 2006 exhibition of over 3,000 pieces from Kempner’s collection. Leslie Jones, President of The Society of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center said, “Nan was tireless in raising money for the hospital and was extremely active on behalf of The Society. She was part of Memorial until the very end and is missed by many.” Cathy Elkies, Christie's Director of Iconic Collections said, "This auction is near and dear to us at Christie's because among the different roles Nan had as a tastemaker, socialite, and philanthropist, she was also an International Representative at Christie's. It is most fitting to hold this charity auction as a part of the iconic collection series at Christie's, and a wonderful tribute to our very own New York fashion icon." Throughout her life, Nan Kempner was known for her role in establishing the very definition of Upper East Side chic as well as becoming, to quote Carolina Herrera, “the American fashion icon.” In her typically candid and oftentimes humorous style, Kemper marveled upon learning of the proposed idea of the Metropolitan exhibition, “My husband, Tommy, thinks it's hysterical, because he used to think it was an extravagance, and it now turns out that I was an art collector. Can you imagine?" The collection offered includes seasonal highlights from top fashion designers which were sold literally "off-the-runway" and right into Kempner's couture collection. With styles ranging from the 1960s to 2005, these ensembles are representative of Kempner’s personal style as a tastemaker rather than a trendsetter, as well as her lifelong enthusiasm for fashion. Highlights from the collection include several elegant evening ensembles, such as an Yves Saint Laurent Paris, marked black chiffon and velvet gown, circa 2000 (estimate: $800- 1,200), and a Christian Dior Paris apricot Gazar dress, labeled ‘Printemps-Été 1968’ (estimate: $800-1,200). On the fun and frivolous spectrum of daywear items, the sale offers a single lot of two Oscar de la Renta Indian print chiffon blouses, one paired with marigold silk cigarette pants and the other with orange and bead trimmed ankle-length pants (estimate: $1,000-1,500), as well as a Michael Kors tan suede jumpsuit paired with Fendi dyed cow skin knee-high boots (estimate: $500-700.) Auction: Fashions from an American Style Icon: The Nan Kempner Collection Oct. 2 at 2:00 House Sale Oct. 1- 3 Viewing: Christie’s Rockefeller Galleries Sept. 28 - 30 About Christie’s Christie’s is the world's leading art business with global auction sales in 2006 that totaled £2.51 billion / $4.67 billion. Worldwide sales for the first half of 2007 totaled £1.63 billion / $3.25 billion, an increase of 32% by £ and 45% by $ from the same period last year and highest half year sales ever in art market history. Christie’s is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service, and international glamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's conducted the greatest auctions of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, and today remains a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christie’s offers over 600 sales annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, cars and more. Prices range from $200 to over $80 million. Christie’s has 85 offices in 43 countries and 14 salerooms around the world including London, New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Tel Aviv, Dubai and Hong Kong. Most recently, Christie’s has led the market with expanded initiatives in emerging markets such as China, India and the United Arab Emirates, with successful sales and exhibitions in Beijing, Dubai, Mumbai and Russia. Christie's also offers its clients worldwide access to its sales through Christie's LIVE™, its unique, real-time online bidding service. # # # Images available on request Visit Christie’s Web site at www.christies.com More information about Christie's sale of Fashions from an American Style Icon: The Nan Kempner Collection can be found on www.christies.com. All lots from the sale can be viewed online along with full catalogue descriptions on Lotfinder®, which also allows clients to leave absentee bids. www.christies.com provides information on more than 80 sale categories, buying and selling at auction, complete auction results, and Christie's international auction calendar. .